Eczema causes skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. It is not just one condition but a group of related skin problems. People with eczema often have flare-ups that come and go, creating dry or scaly patches that can be uncomfortable.
Types of Eczema
There are several types of eczema, each with different features. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which often starts in childhood and is linked to allergies or asthma. Another type is contact dermatitis, caused by irritation or an allergic reaction to things like soaps, metals, or plants.
Other types include:
- Seborrheic eczema usually affects oily areas like the scalp and face.
- Nummular eczema, marked by round, coin-shaped spots.
- Dyshidrotic eczema causes blisters on the hands and feet.
Each type needs different care and treatment, but all cause itchy and inflamed skin.
Who Is Affected
Eczema can affect people of any age, but is especially common in children. Around 10-20% of children develop it, although many outgrow the condition. Adults can get eczema too, either from childhood or starting later in life.
People with a family history of eczema, hay fever, or asthma are more likely to develop it. Eczema affects all races and ethnicities, but severity may vary based on skin type and environmental factors.
Because eczema is linked to the immune system, certain triggers like stress, allergens, or harsh soaps can cause flare-ups in anyone.
Causes of Eczema
Eczema happens because of a mix of different reasons. Some causes it from the inside, like genes and the immune system. Others come from outside, like the things around a person or how they live their daily life.
Genetic Factors
Genes play a big role in eczema. If someone has family members with the condition, they are more likely to get it too. This is because certain genes affect the skin’s ability to hold moisture.
When the skin loses too much water, it becomes dry and prone to irritation. This dry skin can develop into itchy patches. Genetic factors also affect how the immune system reacts to triggers, increasing the risk of inflammation.
People with eczema often inherit a weaker skin barrier. This makes the skin less able to protect itself from harmful things in the environment.
Environmental Triggers
Certain things in a person’s surroundings can cause eczema to flare up. These include dust, pollen, pet dander, and mould. Weather can also affect eczema; cold, dry air or hot, humid weather may irritate the skin.
Other triggers include soaps, detergents, and some fabrics like wool. Chemicals and strong fragrances can also worsen eczema symptoms.
Sometimes, food allergies may cause or worsen eczema, especially in children. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce flare-ups.
Immune System Responses
Eczema involves the immune system working too hard. When it meets a small irritant or allergen, the immune system overreacts. This reaction causes inflammation and makes the skin red, itchy, and swollen.
People with eczema often have an immune system that is more sensitive than usual. This can lead to frequent flare-ups. The immune system sees everyday substances as threats and reacts with extra inflammation.
This reaction means the skin’s protective barrier is damaged, allowing more irritants to enter and cause problems. Managing the immune system’s response can ease symptoms.
Lifestyle Influences
Certain habits and lifestyle factors can affect eczema. Stress is a common trigger because it weakens the immune system, making flare-ups more likely.
Diet also plays a part. Some foods might worsen eczema in some people, especially if there is an allergy. Keeping a balanced diet helps the skin stay healthy.
Clothing choice can also matter. Wearing loose, soft fabrics like cotton helps the skin breathe. Avoiding scratching and keeping skin moisturised are important daily habits to reduce irritation.
Common Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema causes several signs that can vary from person to person. Its main effects include itching, changes in skin colour, and dryness that often lead to discomfort. These symptoms can affect different parts of the body and may change over time.
Itching and Irritation
One of the most noticeable signs of eczema is intense itching. This itchiness can start suddenly and often feels hard to ignore. When the skin itches, people might scratch a lot, which can make the irritation worse.
Scratching can lead to small cuts or sores. These can sometimes become infected if not treated carefully. The itching usually affects places like the hands, feet, behind the knees, and on the face. It may happen more at night, making it harder to sleep.
Managing the itching early is important to avoid damage to the skin. Using moisturisers and avoiding triggers can reduce how much the skin itches.
Redness and Inflammation
Eczema often causes patches of red, inflamed skin. These areas can look swollen and feel warm to the touch. This happens because the skin’s protective barrier has been damaged, and the body’s immune response causes inflammation.
The redness can be mild or quite strong, depending on the severity of the eczema and where it appears on the body. Common spots include the inner elbows, neck, and face.
Inflamed skin can be sore or painful, not just itchy. Treatments like steroid creams often help reduce redness and calm the skin.
Dry and Scaly Skin
Skin affected by eczema frequently becomes very dry. The dryness can cause the skin to crack and become flaky or scaly. Patches of dry skin can be rough to the touch and may peel.
This happens because eczema disrupts the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. Dry skin makes the irritation worse and increases the chance of skin damage.
Regular use of moisturisers is a key step to keep the skin hydrated. Humidifiers and gentle skin care products may also help prevent the skin from becoming too dry.
Diagnosing Eczema
Diagnosing eczema involves a careful look at the skin and a review of the patient’s health history. Tests may be needed to rule out other conditions or find specific triggers. The process helps doctors figure out the right treatment and ways to avoid flare-ups.
Clinical Assessment
Doctors begin by examining the skin for typical signs like dry, red, itchy patches. They check the location and pattern of these patches, which often appear on hands, face, or inside the elbows and knees.
The patient’s medical history is also important. Doctors ask about the family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma. They want to know when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse.
Sometimes, eczema can look like other skin problems, such as psoriasis. In these cases, the doctor may ask more questions or order tests to get a clear diagnosis.
Patch Testing
Patch testing helps find any allergies that might be causing eczema flare-ups. Small amounts of common allergens, like metals, fragrances, or preservatives, are placed on the skin using patches.
These patches stay on the skin for about two days. After this time, the doctor checks for redness, swelling, or itching where the patches were applied. This helps pinpoint specific substances that irritate the skin.
If allergies are found, avoiding these triggers can reduce eczema symptoms. Patch testing is especially useful for people whose eczema bothers them despite regular treatment.
Treatment Options for Eczema
Eczema treatment aims to reduce itching, redness, and inflammation while protecting the skin. It usually involves a mix of creams, pills, or light therapy, depending on how severe the condition is.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are the most common way to manage eczema. These include moisturisers that keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
Steroid creams or ointments help reduce inflammation and itchiness. They are usually used for short periods to avoid side effects. Non-steroidal creams like calcineurin inhibitors can also be prescribed, especially for sensitive areas like the face.
It’s important to apply these treatments regularly, as directed by a healthcare provider. Keeping the skin moisturised daily can lower the chances of flare-ups.
Oral Medications
Oral medications may be needed when eczema is severe or does not respond to topical treatments. Antihistamines can help control itching, especially at night.
In more severe cases, doctors might prescribe oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. These reduce the body’s immune response, easing symptoms, but often require careful monitoring.
Biologic drugs, like dupilumab, offer a newer option. They target specific parts of the immune system and can be effective for moderate to severe eczema.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to treat eczema. This can reduce inflammation and slow down immune reactions in the skin.
Patients usually need several sessions each week for a few weeks. The treatment is done under medical supervision to avoid skin damage.
Phototherapy is often considered when other treatments have not worked well. It can improve symptoms and reduce the need for steroids in some people.
Living With Eczema
Living with eczema means daily care and attention to skin health. It involves keeping skin moisturised, managing flare-ups promptly, and avoiding anything that might trigger irritation or symptoms. A practical routine and simple habits help make life with eczema easier.
Skincare Routines
A consistent skincare routine is key. Moisturising regularly helps keep the skin barrier strong and prevents dryness. It is best to use thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments.
Bathing should be short, using lukewarm water and gentle, soap-free cleansers. After washing, pat the skin dry gently rather than rubbing. Applying moisturiser within a few minutes after bathing seals in moisture.
Avoid harsh products, including perfumed soaps and cosmetics. Choosing fabrics like cotton over wool can reduce irritation. Wearing loose clothing helps the skin breathe and stops rubbing.
Managing Flare-Ups
Flare-ups cause red, itchy, or swollen patches of skin. When they happen, it is important to use treatments like steroid creams, prescribed by a doctor, to reduce inflammation.
Keeping nails short can prevent damage from scratching. Cold compresses may soothe itching and reduce discomfort.
During flare-ups, limiting exposure to triggers and sticking to a simple skincare routine helps. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Prevention Tips
Preventing flare-ups involves identifying and avoiding triggers. Common triggers include certain soaps, detergents, allergens, stress, and changes in weather.
Keeping the skin moisturised daily reduces the chance of flare-ups. Using a humidifier in dry weather can protect skin from drying out.
Regularly washing clothes in mild detergent and avoiding overheating can also prevent irritation. A balanced diet and managing stress have positive effects on skin health.
FAQs
Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another.
What causes eczema?
Eczema is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Triggers like allergens, irritants, stress, or weather changes can make symptoms worse.
Can eczema be cured?
There is currently no cure for eczema. However, treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms include dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin. These may appear in patches and can be uncomfortable.
Is eczema an infection?
Eczema itself is not an infection. But scratching can cause the skin to break, which might lead to bacterial or fungal infections.
Can vitamin D help eczema?
Vitamin D supports the immune system and might reduce inflammation, which could improve eczema symptoms for some people.
What treatments are available?
Treatments include moisturisers, steroid creams, and sometimes medication. Lifestyle changes to avoid triggers also help manage the condition.
Can eczema affect quality of life?
Yes, symptoms like itching and visible skin changes can cause discomfort and affect confidence, but proper care can ease these effects.
